Kukla's Korner Hockey

These Kings aren’t paupers. For now, though, they’re rulers. They went on to win 4-3 and are up two games to one.

The question is, why do the Hawks do great things early, then seem to turn into another team? Would it have been asking too much of them to feed off Toews’ intensity and keep piling on, to be the bullies and not the patsies? Their third periods are starting to resemble nap time in kindergarten. Shots seem to be as hard to get off as that last curl in a set of 30.

Are the Hawks tired? Are they only capable of full ignition when facing disaster?

They didn’t want to lose this game after being ahead twice. They didn’t want to lose this game in any fashion.

‘‘It’s disappointing,’’ Crawford said. ‘‘Tough breaks that turn into goals. That’s the story the last couple of games.’’